Action for firearm using a caseless round



United States Patent 3,399,479- ACTION FOR FIREARM USING A CASELESS ROUND- Bernard Goldstein, Landing, N.J., assignor of five percent each to Max Greenberg, West Orange, Paula H. Golds'tein, Union, and Herbert Greenbei'g Elizabeth, NLJ.

Filed May 11, 1967, Ser. No. 637,753 7 Claims. (Cl. 42-9) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An action for the caseless round which utilizes a This invention relates to an action for the caseless round.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an action for the caseless round which is simple in structure and yet highly effective'in operation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an action for the caseless round which can be utilized for full automatic operation or semi-automatic operation of a firearm.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an action for the caseless round which utilizes a rack and pinion structural arrangement wherein arack integral with an action bar rotates a tapered plug between positions wherein the tapered plug blocks the breech or chamber of a firearm and wherein the tapered plug provides an Opening through which a round may be inserted into such chamber. 7

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an action for the caseless round wherein means are provided for insuring retention of the round in the chamber. t

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an action for the caseless round which includes means for preventing firing of the round until the tapered plug has rotated to its proper desired orientation.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

The above and other objects are accomplished by means of the present invention. The action for the caseless round may be incorporated in various types of weapons and is 'not limited to any particular type of weapon or firearm. The term weapon as set forth in ,this application is deemed to be directed to afirearm. Either of theterms weapon or firearm may be hereinafter used. The action comprises an .actionbar or rack-which is biased to a forward position and is moved rearwardly after each round has been fired. The rearward movement of the action bar may be accomplished in any desired manner .as will be discussed hereinafter. The action bar in its rearward movement rotates a tapered plug which when in operative, position blocks the breech or chamber of the weapon. The tapered plug is causedto rotate to a position wherein a hole in the taperedplug is aligned with the chamber .and the next round which is to be inserted into the chamber. I

The action bar also rotates a, pinion which in turn moves the rammer. The rammer. is moved-forwardly when the action bar is movedsrearwardly. The rammer pushes a round through the opening inthe tapered plug into. the

3,399,479 Patented Sept. 3, 1968 breech or chamber. Upon forward movement of the action bar, the rammer is withdrawn and the tapered plug is thereafter rotated to its operative closed position. In the operative closed position, the tapered plug effectively seals the chamber or breech of the weapon. The weapon utilizes a caseless round so that no provision need be made for elimination of the usual metal cartridge or shell casing. A plurality of rounds are normally carried in a magazine clip and are spring biased into the path of movement of the rammer.

In the preferred-embodiment, the hole in the tapered plug is slightly offset with respect to the chamber or breech. The offset relationship insures that once the round is in the chamber it will not back out through the hole in the tapered plug. A flat spot may be machined onto the tapered plug adjacent the hole in the tapered plug which facilitates a highly effective camming action by the surface of the plug upon rotation of the tapered plug. The rounded body portion of the tapered plug applies a p sitive pressure to the round after the tapered plug has been rotated into operative sealing position.

The tapered plug is seated in an opening in the action body of the weapon which is provided with an opposite taper. While the invention is not limited to the use of a tapered plug, it has been found that a tapered plug provides a highly effective seal and has excellent wear characteristics. A tapered plug will provide a superior seal and require less maintenance than other shaped members.

In the preferred embodiment, the round is ignited by electrical spark provided by a spark plug. The source of electricity can be supplied in any suitable manner such as by batteries, coil and condenser, accumulation coil on the action bar passing through a magnetic field, tapping gas pressure at the muzzle and using the gas pressure to spin a miniature turbine generator unit, etc. When the round is ignited by tapping gas pressure at the muzzle and using such gas pressure to spin a miniature turbine generator unit, a standby battery will beutilizecl for igniting the first round. In the preferred embodiment, the trigger will merely be an electrical contact switch. The weapon can be set for full automatic operation or for semi-automatic operation. In providing for full automatic operation the trigger contacts will be permitted to be maintained in operative association with the contacts for igniting the spark plug. If semiautomatic operation is desired, the trigger would merely brush contacts thus igniting the round. The trigger could go beyond the initial 'contacts and would have to return to inoperative position without again brushing the contacts in order to fire a further round. A toggle arrangement or a suitable camming mechanism could be utilized to effectuate semi-automatic operation.

A wedge lock may be integrally connected to the tapered plug. The wedge lock may consist of a beveled member and may be provided with suitable contacts thereon which prevent operation of the weapon unless the tapered plug is in its fully operative position. The wedge lock may cooperate with an appropriately beveled surface on the action body so that there is substantial friction engagement between the wedge lock and the action body as the tapered plug approaches its operative position, The wedge lock will thus provide an effective seal as the plug is rotated to its fully operative position. The wedge lock will contact the beveled surface at approximately 10 prior to rotation of the plug to its fully operative position.

Ignition of the propellant for the caseless round could also be by percussion ignition. Thus, the trigger of the weapon could be operatively connected to a firing pin. The firing pin may be spring loaded for recovery and in a gas tight sealing arrangement.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings forms which are presently preis not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIGURE 1 is a vertical medial section through the action for the caseless round embodying the present inventron. 1

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the tapered plug utilized in the present invention.

FIGURE 3 is a section view of an alternative ignition means for the caseless round of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings in detail Wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in FIGURE 1 an action for the caseless round generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

The weapon in which the action is utilized includes an action body 12 and a barrel 14 secured to such body. The barrel 14 may be secured to the action body in any suitable desirable manner. The barrel 14 has a bore which may have conventional riflings 16 on the interior thereof. The riflings 16 are utilized for imparting spinning stabilizing movement to a projectile.

The action 10 includes an action bar or rack 18. The action bar 18 is normally biased to a forward position by any suitable means. The action bar 18 may be manually moved rearwardly or automatically moved rearwardly upon the firing of a round. After a round has been fired, gas may be bled from the barrel 14 of the rifle. The gas may be fed to a piston which may then effectuate movement of the action bar 18 rearwardly against its bias. The action bar could also be moved by means of an electric motor which would be operated after the firing of each round.

The action bar 18 has plurality of teeth 20 thereon. The teeth are in engagement with a pinion 22 mounted laterally in the body 12. The pinion 22 is suitably mounted for rotation upona rod or shaft 24. A rammer 26 is also operatively associated with the pinion 22. The rammer 26 has teeth 28 thereon which engage the teeth on the pinion 22.

The rammer 26 is adapted to be reciprocated through an opening 30 in a tapered plug 32. The tapered plug 32 is suitably journaled for rotation in the body 12 of the weapon. The tapered plug 32 also has teeth 34 integral therewith which are adapted to be engaged by the teeth 20 on the action bar 18. As readily seen in FIGURE 1, movement of the action bar 18 rearwardly will initially cause clockwise rotation of the tapered plug 32 and thereafter will cause the rammer 26 to move forwardly. The teeth 34 extend over only a portion of the surface of the plug 32 as clearly seen in FIGURES 1 and 2. Thus, the plug 32 will be rotated to a definite predetermined position upon reciprocation of the action bar. Alternatively, the teeth 34 could extend around the entire periphery of the plug 32. A predetermined number of teeth 20 on the bar 18 could be of a slightly greater height than the remaining teeth 20 on the bar. Thus, only the teeth which were higher would contact the teeth 34 on the plug 32. The desired degree of rotation of the plug 32 could be effectuated in any other desired manner and the invention is not limited to a particular manner of rotating the plug.

A round 36 is shown positioned in the breech or chamber 38 at one end of the barrel 14. The round 36 is provided with propellant 37 and a projectile 39. There is no case or shell for the round and upon ignition of the round the propellant 37 and the casing for the propellant completely burn off. A trigger 40 is provided to initiate firing of each round.

A clip or magazine 42 containing a plurality of rounds such as 46 is inserted in an opening in the body 12. The magazine 42 is provided with a magazine spring 44 which continually biases the rounds 46 upwardly. The spring 44 biases the rounds 46 into the path of movement of the rammer 26.

A flat portion 48 is machined onto the tapered plug 32 which facilitates camming of the round into the'cham ber 38 by the surface of the plug as the plug is rotated. A chamber offset 52 is provided to prevent the round from backing out of the chamber as the rammer 26 is moved rearwardly. After the rammer 26 has forced the round in the chamber 38' through the hole 30 in the tapered plug 32, the round will not be aligned with the hole 30 and will not back out of chamber 38. As the tapered plug" 32 is ro tated to its operative position, the surface of the plug will cam the round forwardly so that it is firmly ,retained in the chamber between the plug 32 and the barrel 14.

A spark plug is provided as one means for igniting the propellant 37. When a spark plug is utilized, the trigger 40 will be merely a switch which initiates operation of the spark plug 50. An alternative embodiment of the present invention utilizes a firing pin which is mechanically coupled in any desired manner to the trigger 40. When the firing pin 60 is utilized, a primer compound will be utilized about the circumference of the propellant 37. Such primer compound is conventional and is used in percussion ignitions. The firing pin will be spring biased to the position shown in FIGURE 3 and will be provided with a gas tight seal. After the propellant is ignited, the pin will be forced downwardly against the spring bias and will be returned to the position shown in FIGURE 3.

The tapered plug 32 is seated in an opening in the stock of the weapon which is provided with an opposite taper. While the invention is not limited to the use of a tapered plug, it has been found that a tapered plug provides a highly elfective seal and has excellent wear characteristics.

The tapered plug 32 is provided with a wedge lock 54 integrally attached thereto. The wedge lock 54 has a bevel thereon. The surface on the body 12 has a suitable 0pposite bevel thereon. The beveled surface 53 of the body 12 will cooperate with the wedge lock to facilitate effective sealing of the chamber 38 as the plug 32 is rotated to its closed operative position. The camming action against the wedge should be effective at approximately 10 prior to full closure of the plug 32.

A safety mechanism may be provided to insure that the propellant will not be ignited prior to proper positioning of the plug 32. To this end, a pair of contacts 56 may be provided on the wedge lock 54. Mating contacts may be provided on the beveled portion of the body 12 of the weapon. Suitable circuitry may be provided to render the trigger 40 ineffective unless contact is made between the contacts 58 and the contacts 56. The contacts 56 and 58 will only be properly aligned when the plug 32 is in the position wherein it fully seals the chamber 38. The round will securely engage the bore 13 about its circumference thus providing a gas tight seal at the forward end of the chamber 38. The propellant is preferably of a slightly resilient nature so that when the round is ignited there will be a firm self-aligning seal formed.

The entire action 10 may be covered by a removable sheet metal cover or other similar means. Since there is no ejection or extraction of shells involved, the cover will prevent foreign material from entering the action and will permit easy access to the action 10.

The plug 32 may be made of stainless steel or it could be coated with suitable non-ferrous materials such as a ceramic coating. The plug could also be made of brass. The chamber is conventional and may be made of steel or other suitable material. The spark plug 50 must" withstand high pressure and will preferably be coated with a ceramic coating. The action bar 18 may be provided'with a suitably positioned slot or may be suitably shaped to insure noninterference of the barwith the magazine clip 42.

The action 10 may be operated in the following manner. The action bar 18 is normally spring biased forwardly. The magazine containing a plurality of rounds may be inserted into the weapon. The action bar 18 may then be drawn back manually and a suitable lock may be provided for the action bar in its rearward position. As

the action bar is drawn rearwardly it will immediately initiate movement of the tapered plug 32 and will rotate the plug 32 to the position shown in FIGURE 1. After the plug 32 has been rotated, the teeth 21 on the action bar 18 will engage the teeth on the pinion 22. The pinion 22 will be rotated and effect movement of the rammer 26 forwardly. The rammer 26 will force a round through the opening 30 in the plug 32. The round will drop into the chamber 38 and will not back out of such chamber because of the offset 52 between the chamber and the opening 30 in the plug 32.

The action bar 18 may be released and will move forwardly. Forward movement of the action bar 18 will cause the rammer 26 to be moved rearwardly out of the hole 30 in the plug 32. The rammer 26 will be moved rearwardly a sufficient distance so that the magazine spring 44 will bias another round into the path of movement of the rammer. After the rammer 26 has been withdrawn from the hole 30 of the plug 32, the teeth 20 on the action bar 18 will engage the teeth 34 on the plug 32 and will rotate the plug 32 in a counterclockwise direction. The plug 32 will cam the round 36 tightly in the chamber 38.

During approximately the last 10 of rotation of the plug 32 the beveled surface on the body 12 will engage the wedge lock 54 to thus insure a tight effective seal of the plug 32 against the chamber 38. When the plug 32 is in closed sealing position, the contacts 56 will be aligned with the contacts 58 to thus permit firing of the weapon by merely pulling the trigger 40. The trigger 40 may be effective to effect operation of the spark plug or cause the firing pin to ignite the propellant 37.

After the first round has been fired the action bar 18 will be forced rearwardly by any suitable mechanism such as a gas piston (not shown). The gas may be fed from the barrel 14 forward of the chamber 38. The gas may be fed to a piston which will cause the action bar 18 to be moved rearwardly. The action bar could also be moved rearwardly by a motor which would be operated after the trigger had been pulled.

The weapon may be fully automatic or can be used for semi-automatic fire. If full automatic operation were desired, the trigger would be drawn back and held in an operative position wherein the contacts on the trigger would be closed and each round would be fired as soon as the contacts 56 on a tapered plug were aligned with the contacts 58 in the stock. Should semi-automatic operation be desired the trigger could be arranged so that upon being pulled rearwardly it would brush suitable contacts thus igniting the round. The trigger would be moved beyond the contacts and would then have to return to its original inoperative position in order to fire the weapon again. A toggle arrangement or other camming arrangement could be utilized to effectuate such movement. The trigger will be suitably spring biased to its forward inoperative position. Suitable means such as a track could be utilized to insure that the trigger would touch the contacts only on rearward motion and not on forward motion thereof. Thus, semi-automatic firing of the weapon would be provided.

Wherein firing of the weapon is effected by means of a firing pin, it is envisioned that the weapon would be used in a semi-automatic manner rather than a fully automatic manner. Thus it would be necessary to pull the trigger to operate the firing pin.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing sepecification as indicating the scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. An action for a firearm comprising means defining a chamber from which a round is to be fired, rotatable means adjacent said chamber for selectively sealing and opening said chamber, said rotatable means being effective to open said chamber after a round has been fired, said rotatable means being effective to seal said chamber during the firing of a round, said rotatable means comprising a plug having a substantial taper, said plug having an opening therein, a seat for said tapered plug, said seat having a substantial taper cooperating with the taper of said plug.

2. An action for a firearm as set forth in claim 1 wherein said opening in said tapered plug is offset with respect to said chamber to prevent the round from backing out of the chamber through the opening in the tapered plug.

3. An action for a firearm as set forth in claim 1 wherein said tapered plug has a flat portion thereon ad jacent said opening at one end of said opening, said flat portion facilitating effective camming of the round into said chamber upon rotation of said tapered plug.

4. An action for use with a caseless round comprising means defining a chamber, an action bar adapted for reciprocation after each round is fired from said chamber, a rammer, said rammer being reciprocated in response to reciprocation of said action bar, said action bar also being effective to move a member between positions wherein said member seals and opens said chamber, ignition means for igniting a round in said chamber, said movable member being a plug having a substantial taper, a seat for said tapered plug, said seat having-a substantial taper cooperating with the substantial taper on said tapered plug, said tapered plug having a hole therethrough, said rammer adapted to be reciprocated through said hole in said tapered plug after said tapered plug has been rotated to a position wherein said chamber is open.

5. An action for use with a caseless round as set forth in claim 4 wherein said ignition means is operative upon movement of a trigger means, and a safety mechanism associated with said tapered plug for preventing operation of said ignition means when said tapered plug is not in the position wherein said chamber is sealed.

6. An action for use with a caseless round in accordance with claim 5 wherein said action includes an action body, said tapered plug includes a wedge lock means at one end thereof, said wedge lock means cooperating with a camming means on said action body to insure a tight seal between the surface of said tapered plug and a round in said chamber, and said ignition means includes a spark plug.

7. An action for use with a caseless round as set forth in claim 6 wherein said safety mechanism includes contacts on said wedge lock means and said ignition means includes a firing pin.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 11,685 9/1854 Adams 429 1'1 3,194 3/1871 Nenninger 429 289,972 12/1883 Burgess 4217 1,291,674 1/ 1919 Brannon 421 BENJAMIN A. BORCHELT, Primary Examiner. 

